Twelfth Report of the State Entomologist 



329 



Fig. 10 —Mouth parts of tlie luusquito, cross-section. 

 (After Dimmock.) 



■understood from an examination of the accompanying figure, which 

 represents a transverse section throLigh the proboscis of the female at 

 about its middle.* 



The labium is seen wrapping itself nearly around the other parts. 

 Above it lie the two maxillae, partly inclosing the parts above it. Above 

 them are the two mandibles, 

 and above these, centrally, 

 is the hypopharynx, with 

 its thickened, middle, sup- 

 posed saliva, channel- 

 Above this is the labrum- 

 epipharynx — the epiphar- 

 ynx of an omega-form, hav- 

 ing the labrum closely at- 

 tached to it. With the 

 labrum-epipharynx slightly 

 brought from its position as 

 shown for convenience in 

 the figure, so as to rest on 

 ^the hypopharynx, the channel for the passage of the blood, as has been 

 described, is formed. In the continuation of this sucking-tube into the 

 head, "in the posterior part of the head, it is enlarged in a large 

 pumping-organ, which forces the imbibed fluid backward into the 

 oesophagus and stomach " (Macloskie). 



Uses of the Mosquito. 



I have spoken of the mosquito as the most universally annoying of all 

 ■our insect pests. Why then, it may be asked, was it created, and does it 

 serve any possible good in the economy of the world? 



The naturalist, as his acquaintance with nature becomes more extended, 

 and the range of his studies widens so as to open up to liim an insight 

 into the interdependence of all animated nature, is led to accept the 

 belief that nothing was made in vain, and that not a single one of the 

 typical forms now in existence could be withdrawn without breaking 

 the chain that binds all nature together in one harmonious (if properly 

 interpreted) whole. This belief brings to him a faith that compels him 

 to accept as of use whatever object owes its existence and preservation 

 to the hand of its Creator and Guardian, although in» his limited knowl- 



* This and the preceding figure are copied from Plate i of The Anntomy of the Mouth-parts 

 ■ and of the Sitckiitg Apparatus of Some Diptera, by George Dimmock, Boston, i88i. 



